New Turkey maritime draft bill fuels EastMed tensions with Greece, Cyprus Turkey’s draft maritime bill seeks to formalize Ankara’s claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, raising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over contested maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights. Turkey
After year away, France returns ambassador to Algeria: What to know France and Algeria have made efforts to improve ties recently, with the strain resulting from disagreements over Western Sahara and their shared colonial past. Algeria
EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
Iran president says he held official meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know The president’s announcement marks the first public confirmation of a meeting between a senior official and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the start of the war. Iran
Iran sanctions French carmakers Peugeot, Renault and Citroen all do considerable business in Iran. The move follows new European Union sanctions against Iran in relation to the anti-government protests in the country. Iran
Iran warns Germany over crackdown criticism The Islamic Republic was unsettled by international criticism over its suppression of nearly two months of protests, with its security forces now attacking people dancing in defiance of theocratic rules. Iran
Iran intel chief says UK must 'compensate' for protests The chief of Iran's Intelligence Ministry said the UK must compensate Iran for creating unrest in the country. Iran
Erdogan unswayed by Swedish PM's charm offensive The Swedish prime minister met the Turkish president in Ankara amid the ongoing NATO dispute over Sweden and Finland's accession to the alliance. Turkey
Israel to work with France against money laundering, terror financing The memorandum of understanding signed last week between Israel and France is just part of the very extensive battle championed by Israel’s Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority against criminal money laundering and financing of terror activities. Israel
Culture Egyptian archaeologists call for British Museum to return Rosetta stone Egyptian archaeologists have launched campaigns to reclaim the Rosetta stone from the British Museum 200 years after it was deciphered. Egypt
EU warns Turkey on ties with Russia ahead of Erdogan-Putin meeting The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey criticizes Ankara for increasing trade and financial relations with Russia, inviting Russian oligarchs to the country and undermining EU sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Turkey's stance complicates potential peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan By linking Turkey’s normalization with Armenia to a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Erdogan could encourage intransigence on Baku’s part. Turkey
Turkish, Armenian, Azeri leaders hold landmark talks Informal talks among Turkish, Armenian and Azeri leaders mark the first of their kind. Turkey
Jordan’s port in Aqaba signs $242 million investment deal The agreement with the Dutch firm APM Terminals could help increase trade through the Red Sea port. Jordan
UAE to help Germany reduce dependence on Russian gas Qatar is also reportedly close to supplying the European country with natural gas amid the Ukraine war. United Arab Emirates
Greece’s growing influence frustrates Erdogan Though Erdogan’s outbursts at Greece are widely seen as an attempt to lure nationalist voters ahead of elections next year, his anger is fueled by some very real frustrations in the region. Turkey
